Shillong, Sept 15: A scintillating hat-trick by Loving Suting propelled Mawlai to the top of the Shillong Premier League (SPL) 2025 standings after a dominant 4-0 victory over Mylliem at the SSA Stadium, First Ground, Polo, here today.
Loving found the target in the 16th, 40th and 49th minutes, while Fairming Suting (18’) netted the other goal of the evening as Mawlai leapfrogged Nangkiew Irat to take first place with 12 points from five rounds, two clear of their closest rivals. Mylliem remain in seventh place with five points.
Despite the scoreline, Mylliem had the first clear chance of the match, but Wanshan Dkhar fired wide. Mawlai then seized control as Loving converted his second attempt after his first was blocked by goalkeeper Rihoklang Khongjoh. Just two minutes later, Loving turned provider, setting up Fairming for a clinical strike from the edge of the box.
Mawlai’s relentless pressure paid off again in the 40th minute when Kevin Rymbai’s curling left-footer hit the woodwork and rebounded to Loving, who tapped in for his second goal.
Early in the second half, Fairming’s through ball sent Loving clear, and the Mawlai No. 10 coolly chipped the ball past the advancing goalkeeper for his hat-trick, leaving Mylliem with no way back.
Mylliem, who had impressed by holding defending champions Shillong Lajong to a 1-1 draw last Tuesday, were a shadow of that side today, undone by poor passing and heavy touches. Late substitutions by Janhame Marngar and Kolis Lyngdoh provided a brief spark but failed to trouble the Mawlai defence, with the team failing to score for the first time this season.
The SPL will now take a short break as the SSA Stadium hosts the Second Division 2025 quarterfinals from tomorrow and the inaugural Meghalaya State Women’s League starting Saturday. The league will resume on September 24, with the rescheduled fixture between Malki and Nongrim Hills at 3:30 PM.
